Sodas and sweets make for a delightful treat. However, they don’t offer the fundamental nutrients needed to improve scars. Swap out those calorie-heavy snacks for ones infused with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Zinc.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that strengthens the immune system and expedites the healing process, helping scar tissue fade. Physicians recommend a daily dose of 90 milligrams to ensure good health, and achieving this requires the right snacks:

Vitamin A is a retinal-infused compound that improves the texture of the skin. It accelerates cell development and generates greater elasticity. Physicians recommend a daily dose of 1500 micrograms, and individuals can reach this amount this with:

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient. It counters the effects of free radicals, protecting skin from loss of hydration, decreases in elasticity, and oxidation. While Vitamin E does not improve the appearance of scars (whether applied topically or taken through diet or supplements), it is great for combating oxygen free radicals which can damage the skin, especially from sun exposure – and UV rays can permanently darken a scar. Physicians recommend a daily dose of 20 milligrams, and there are many ways to meet this number:

Zinc is a mineral that directly impacts the body’s immune system. It enhances cellular growth and dissolves carbohydrates (which provide key proteins during the tissue creation process). This decreases the rigidity of scars and reduces inflammation. Physicians recommend a daily dose of 15 milligrams, and there are many delicious ways to reach this goal:

Achieving a healthy lifestyle is not always possible, with individuals forever on the move and away from the kitchen. Choosing the right snacks proves challenging, and vitamin supplements are often needed to ensure balanced results.

These items deliver concentrated bursts of key minerals so that even the busiest individuals can maintain their diets and meet their intake goals. It also promotes the improved appearance of scars.

The healing process is complicated. The use of Vitamin C, however, may simplify it for those wishing to restore skin’s appearance. Adding this nutrient to a daily diet can diminish the look of scars and rejuvenate tissue.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C (known also as ascorbic acid) is an oxidized vitamer. It’s found naturally in many fruits and vegetables and can easily be consumed. This is due to its solubility, which allows it to quickly digest within the body.

Vitamin C dissolves in water. Therefore, it does not linger in the bloodstream for extended periods. Daily supplementation is needed to ensure proper absorption and healing. Because of this, individuals are encouraged to consume fruits rich in Vitamin C. These can include:

Cantaloupe

The cantaloupe melon is a polyphenolic fruit that is low in calories with high bursts of Vitamin C. The average melon contains approximately 200 mg. Since this exceeds the recommended daily dose of 90 mg. Only eat small pieces throughout the week to avoid consuming too much.

Papaya

Papayas are single-stem plants that offer bold flavors and exceptional Vitamin C. A small fruit, which averages 150 grams, can contain up to 95 mg. This makes the fruit ideal for daily consumption.

Mango

The mango is a Drupe fruit, noted for its pulpy textures and sweet flavor. It’s also infused with Vitamin C, averaging over 120 mg per 336 gram mango. Multiple servings throughout the week prove highly beneficial.

Kiwifruit

The kiwifruit is deceptive, with its dull color hiding both a rich flavor and a strong Vitamin C concentration. A typical kiwi can yield over 60 mg. This makes it an ideal supplement for every day.

The orange ranks among the most popular fruit: both for its tangy taste and its, supposedly, high amount of Vitamin C. It’s often cited as the best option for those seeking to improve scar texture.

The truth, however, is that this fruit does not offer the best concentration of Vitamin C. The average orange contains only 50 mg of nutrients. While this can certainly enhance the healing process, it shouldn’t serve as the only source of support. There are better options available.

Want to know more about Vitamin C and its effect on healing? Send us a comment! We’d love to hear from you.

While it’s not wise to overindulge with most types of food for the sake of your health and your waistline, there are some foods that you truly cannot consume enough of. These are green leafy vegetables that you can toss into your next salad or cook into your main dishes with delicious and entirely healthy results.

There are numerous green, leafy vegetables that you can choose from when you walk down the produce aisle in the grocery store, and you may be wondering which options give you the most nutritional benefits. Bite for bite, you want to load up on greens like kale, collards and chard. These are foods that are very low in calories, and they are high in fiber and rich in healthy antioxidants. They have the ability to protect your cells from the signs of aging, and they may also lower your risk of heart disease. In addition, they can help prevent the growth of cancer cells in your body. Plus, they are loaded with nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and vitamins A, B and K.

To get the maximum benefit from these leafy greens, you may consider consuming at least three to five ounces of them each day. There are different ways that you can incorporate them into your diet. For example, you can eat them raw with a salad, or you can use them as a side by steaming them. They can be used inside meals like soups, raviolis and sandwich wraps, as part a green smoothie and more. Even if a recipe does not specifically call for them, you can toss them in many dishes to add nutrients, flavor and a touch of green color to your meal.

Most experts in nutrition today agree that vitamins and minerals are best used and absorbed by the body when consumed in the diet. Many simple and surprisingly savory dishes that are rich in vitamins can be easily made and are sure to become family favorites. The best part? While delighting your tastebuds, you are also providing your body with scar healing nutrients.

Pumpkin Spice Cake (Rich in Vitamin A)

1 1/2 c. flour

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

2 tsp. baking powder

2 c. sugar

1-15 oz. can pumpkin

1/3 c. shortening

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom of a 13×9 inch pan. Sift the dry ingredients together except for the sugar. Mix in the remaining ingredients and mix on low speed for two minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape the bowl. Empty mixture into prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until done.

Sauteed Chicken and Vegetables (Rich in Vitamins A and C)

2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Canola oil

1 medium onion, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 lb. broccoli florets

1 clove garlic, minced

Coat the bottom of a skillet or wok with canola oil and heat the pan on the stove at medium. Cook the cubed chicken until done in the center and brown. Set the chicken aside, and add the remaining ingredients cooking until desired tenderness. Add the chicken back into the mixture and serve over brown rice. Serves 4.

Sweet and Savory Mashed Potatoes (Rich in Vitamins A and C)

1 1/2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes

1 1/2 lbs. sweet potatoes

1/2 c. lowfat milk

Butter to taste

Peel and dice the potatoes and boil in a Dutch Oven half-filled with water until tender. Whip the potatoes with milk and butter, adding more milk to desired consistency. Serves 4.

Cooking with vitamin-rich foods is simple and satisfying. Savvy cooks can serve meals that are both healthy and delectable and can rest assured that they and their families are enjoying satisfying and nourishing fare.

You already know that moisturizing regularly is the best way to soothe and hydrate dry skin, as well as provide the hydration necessary for proper scar healing. But did you know that you can also choose foods that have moisturizing properties? It’s true!

Here are five types of foods that help add much needed moisture to your skin:

1. Salmon

The barrier that holds moisture in your skin is comprised of omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and other fatty fish like tuna and trout. If seafood isn’t your thing, you can also get plenty of omega-3 from nuts, whole grains, and avocado.

2. Orange and Yellow Veggies

Select vegetables and fruits whose bright colors remind you of the sun for a moisturizing boost. Sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, cantaloupe, red peppers, and mangoes all contain plenty of beta carotene, an antioxidant that helps fight dry skin. These types of veggies are also high in vitamin C, which helps produce the collagen vital to scar healing .

3. Celery and Cucumber

In addition to adding crunch to your salad, this vegetables both pack plenty of silica. This is a compound that helps boost your skin’s moisture and elasticity. And as a bonus, they both taste great raw, making an easy, portable snack.

4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Cooking with this healthy fat rather than butter gives you a big dose of vitamin E, which helps give your skin additional moisture. In addition, using olive oil is part of the Mediterranean diet, which is said to cut calories and reduce the incidence of heart disease.

5. Dark, Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale have plenty of health benefits, not the least of which is providing vitamin A that helps to soothe and moisturize dry skin. In addition to packing your plate with greens, you can also try other vitamin A rich foods like carrots and squash.

Healthy eating helps to keep your skin at its best and promotes scar healing, so avoid junk food, too much sugar, and fatty, deep-fried dishes.